The Japanese city of Osaka implemented a citywide smoking ban on public streets on Monday, aiming to create a more visitor-friendly environment ahead of Expo 2025.

The World Expo, which begins in April, will feature participation from around 160 countries and regions. “We want to welcome many people from all over the world and make Osaka a safe, smoke-free city,” said Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama earlier this month.

Previously, smoking was prohibited in six designated zones, including the area around Osaka Station. The new ban extends to the entire city, with violators facing a fine of 1,000 yen ($6.40). While local regulations often restrict smoking while walking, strict national laws have been hindered by political opposition.

Additionally, starting in April, Osaka will ban smoking in eateries larger than 30 square meters (320 square feet), although separate smoking rooms will still be permitted. National laws currently prohibit smoking in establishments with dining areas over 100 square meters.

The move comes as Expo 2025 organizers face challenges, including slow ticket sales and concerns over construction costs. By early January, 7.5 million tickets had been sold—only half the organizers’ target for the six-month event.

Osaka follows Tokyo’s example, which banned smoking in all restaurants in 2018 ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. However, smoking outdoors remains allowed in some Tokyo districts.

Despite declining tobacco use in Japan, with only 15.7% of the population smoking in 2023, the government still earns around two trillion yen ($13 billion) annually from cigarette taxes and holds a one-third stake in Japan Tobacco, the world’s third-largest tobacco company.